Youth Sports

Improve your skills, make new friends, be active with other kids and learn to love a sport at the Y. Youth sports are a fun and engaging way to practice our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Develop important life lessons, including positive competition, fair play, the value of participation over winning, team-building, positive self-image and mutual respect for others in a fun and engaging environment.

Program List

Basketball was invented in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School. This is where the first 13 rules of the game were written! The YMCA offers seasonal basketball leagues through our Jr NBA program for kids ages 3-12. Additionally, we have training sessions for kids 6-12. Seasonal basketball clinics are held for kids ages 10-15 to improve skills, speed and agility. For Jr NBA, click join a league below. For training classes, click register for classes.

This exciting cheer program is open to all boys and girls who love to dance, cheer and perform. Within this program, children learn various routines that combine tumbling, basic stunts,dance and cheer combinations that will be showcased at the Jr. NBA games. Along with these skills, children practice teamwork, gain confidence, learn excellent leadership skills.

Members: $66
Program Members: $99

Cost includes: pompoms, uniform (t-shirt and cheer shorts), and a bow. Practice will take place from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Saturdays, then the team will cheer for the Jr. NBA games from 1:00PM - 3:00PM.

Registration opens December 1, 2018. Program will run from January 26 - March 16. This is for ages 7-12.

Reach your peak in our climbing program. Whether your child is trying climbing for the first time or has scaled every wall in your house, we have classes and teams to meet your needs. Classes teach climbing techniques, knot tying and harness set-up. Open to kids in first grade to adult. Once you’ve mastered the classes, join the climbing team for ages 8-18.
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Creating healthy habits is easier the earlier you start. The Y offers a variety of youth fitness options for kids as young as 4. Our classes are so fun – the kids will forget about the electronics at home. We have everything from Zumba® Kids to Youth Hip Hop.View Class Schedule

Discipline. Dedication Desire. Top-notch martial arts training is available in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Learn how to use your strength effectively, maintain cardiovascular fitness, improve flexibility and coordination. Embracing the mental and spiritual element of martial arts will improve the minds focus and enable you to develop self-control, build confidence and manage stress. Children also learn how to deal with bullies and strangers. Ages 8-14
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Through a partnership with the Rockford Park District, we are scoring a touchdown with the NFL Flag Football program. Skill level doesn’t matter when it comes to NFL Flag Football. All participants will receive an official NFL Flag Football jersey, a set of flags, trophy and a NFL certificate. NFL Flag consists of a 6-8-game season and playoffs. Practices, at least two per week, are held in various schools and parks.

All games are played at Guilford High School Football Stadium. YMCA members $85.00 regardless of residents. This program is open to ages 4-15.
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BE GOAL ORIENTED! Youth Soccer is an exciting sport combining team play and individual skills. The YMCA teams with the Rockford Raptors organization. We are serving children as young as 18 months in the Raptor Tots program. All skill levels are welcome. Every child gets to play and the games are safe, exciting and fun. We encourage fair play, positive competition, and family involvement. Ages 18 months – 12 years

All registration handled through the Raptors. YMCA members receive $10 off any registration fee.
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Kids are guaranteed high-flying fun in the YMCA’s tumbling program. Tuck rolls, cartwheels and back flips, oh my! Our classes offer a great way to enhance motor skills, flexibility, balance, coordination and self-discipline. We offer three skill levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. We stick to the tumbling mats for this class. Ages 6 and up.
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Got game? Hit the courts with the folks who invented the game - the Y!
Emphasis is on teaching the values of good sportsmanship, teamwork, goal setting and skill development in a fun, esteem-promoting atmosphere. Children will have the opportunity to learn the basic volleyball fundamentals such as underhand serving, setting, hitting, and digging in a non-completive environment. Offer coed lessons for beginner and intermediate levels. Ages 8-16